During the short drive home, Anna passed the deacon’s familiar chair shop and a small country store run by one of their two preachers, as well as an Amish quilt shop she and Mamm frequented, owned by Dat’s cousins. Rounding the bend, Anna also spotted Atley Brenneman’s parents’ farmhouse and felt a renewed sense of relief, knowing that if she moved to Lancaster County, the steady stream of updates about his life wouldn’t reach her ears via the grapevine.

If Dat and Mamm agree to let me go, she thought, eager to see new places and new people.

Chapter 2

At supper that evening, Anna told her parents that she’d contacted the director at the Mennonite Information Center to request an application. The table was laid with the green-and-white-checkered oilcloth and Mamm’s off-white everyday dishes. A lazy Susan holding salt and pepper, sugar, and garlic salt graced its center.

“Based on Cousin Sadie’s recommendation, the director wants to have a face-to-face interview with me as soon as I can get to Lancaster County. She said I can hand-deliver my work application,” Anna said, cutting into her slice of baked ham with a maple honey glaze.

“So you’d miss a day or so of work here, then.” Mamm’s voice sounded pinched.

“Actually, I’ve thought of just giving my two weeks’ notice,” Anna said.

“You’re quitting?” At the head of the table, Dat grimaced and ran a hand through his dark bangs. Anna noticed gray circles under his brown eyes. “Simply because of an invitation from your Mamm’s Strasburg cousin?” he asked, looking over at her.

“Not just because of that,” Anna replied, going on to explain that she had been contemplating doing something new for some time. “I didn’t say anything right away, but I’m sure now that I want to take Cousin Sadie up on her offer to at least visit. I believe the Lord is leading me in all of this.”

“Well, the Flauds are God-fearin’ folk, but doesn’t it give you pause that they’re Old Order Amish?” Dat asked, a frown appearing.

Anna wondered why the topic at hand seemed to trouble her father so. She wouldn’t have thought that going to the Flauds’ would be so problematic.

“A visit’s fine, but does it matter that your Mamm and I would prefer you remain here, amongst our own People?” Dat said as he reached for his tumbler of ice water.

“I was hoping for your blessing, Dat.”

A slight shake of his head indicated any number of thoughts were going through his mind, but when her father spoke again, there was a softening to his tone. “I realize you’re old enough to choose Glen and Sadie Flaud’s offer, but if you were to settle down there and rub shoulders with the Old Order youth, that would concern us. I think ya know why.”